Skip advert
Advertisement
Car group tests

Ford B-MAX vs rivals

The innovative new Ford B-MAX has thrown the MPV class wide open. We test it against key rivals from Kia, Renault and Skoda

Ford B-MAX vs rivals

Ford is opening up the family car class with the B-MAX. This ingenious new supermini-MPV combines a B-pillarless design with sliding rear doors to make getting in and out easy. But there’s more to it than those clever doors.

It’s been designed to drive just as well as the Fiesta on which it’s based, and Ford hopes that its mix of clean engines, an upmarket cabin and smart looks will win over buyers. To find out how good the B-MAX is, we’ve set the range-topping 1.6 TDCi Titanium model against a trio of stand-out family cars in a unique triple twin test.

Advertisement - Article continues below

First up is a roomy conventional supermini-MPV, in the shape of the great-value Kia Venga. Next is the Renault Scenic, which is bigger and better equipped than the B-MAX, but not far off its price. Finally, does the Ford have what it takes to defeat a practical crossover like the popular Skoda Yeti?

Verdict

Ford has done it again. Just as it did with the C-MAX and S-MAX in the past, it’s proven that practical family cars can be fun to drive and desirable.

The sliding doors and pillarless design make getting in and out of the B-MAX really easy, plus passenger space and boot volume are reasonable for a supermini-MPV of this size. Few family cars will be as easy to live with day-to-day as this clever newcomer.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

1 Series

2021 BMW

1 Series

29,492 milesAutomaticPetrol1.5L

Cash £19,393
View 1 Series
Kamiq

2021 Skoda

Kamiq

57,912 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £11,042
View Kamiq
F-Pace

2023 Jaguar

F-Pace

24,933 milesAutomaticDiesel2.0L

Cash £31,446
View F-Pace
F-Pace

2025 Jaguar

F-Pace

30,529 milesAutomaticDiesel2.0L

Cash £26,716
View F-Pace

The cabin is smart, and thanks to its Fiesta-based chassis, the B-MAX is a delight to drive. The 1.6-litre diesel engine could do with more power, but refinement and ride quality are first-rate. CO2 emissions of only 104g/km mean the car will be clean and cheap to run.

So the B-MAX is another direct hit for Ford and fully deserves its 2-1 win in this encounter.

Ford B-MAX vs Kia Venga

Winner Ford B-MAX ★★★★

The Ford is a bit pricey compared to the Kia, but the looks, interior quality and driver appeal make it much more desirable. It’s also more efficient.

2nd Kia Venga ★★★

With plenty of space and a big boot, well priced Venga has a lot going for it, but a low-rent cabin, firm ride and noisy engine limit its appeal.

Ford B-MAX vs Renault Scenic

Winner Renault Scenic ★★★★

The Renault has more space inside, and is more efficient than the Ford. The driving experience lacks sparkle, but it’s refined and comfortable.

2nd Ford B-MAX ★★★★

If you don’t regularly carry five people or need a bigger boot, go for the B-MAX. But it’s thirstier and doesn’t have a generous aftersales package.

Ford B-MAX vs Skoda Yeti

Winner Ford B-MAX ★★★★

The Ford is fun and easy to drive. It also handles well and has the feel-good factor to take on and beat a talented crossover like the Skoda Yeti.

2nd Skoda Yeti ★★★★

The Yeti is great to drive, practical and rugged, but GreenLine model has a firm ride and isn’t very refined. It isn’t efficient enough, either.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £19,690Avg. savings £4,794 off RRP*Used from £6,320
Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £14,480Avg. savings £1,864 off RRP*Used from £6,495
Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,820Avg. savings £4,935 off RRP*Used from £13,083
Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £35,385Avg. savings £3,710 off RRP*Used from £15,440
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Xiaomi YU7 2025 review: a world-beating new EV to worry the establishment
Xiaomi YU7 - front cornering

New Xiaomi YU7 2025 review: a world-beating new EV to worry the establishment

BMW or Mercedes would do anything to keep the new Xiaomi YU7 from sale in the UK and Europe, and this is why
Road tests
14 Jul 2025
Super-luxury Renault Rafale is the French president's new trump card
Presidential Renault Rafale - front static

Super-luxury Renault Rafale is the French president's new trump card

The Rafale was chosen to showcase ‘French excellence and art de vivre’
News
16 Jul 2025
Renault 5 Monte Carlo Edition pays homage to the Clio Williams
Renault 5 Monte Carlo Edition - front

Renault 5 Monte Carlo Edition pays homage to the Clio Williams

The Renault 5 Monte Carlo Edition has been created by Dutch company Re-volve and is limited to just 25 units
News
16 Jul 2025